The Green Economy Group defines a green economy as follows:
What is the green economy? The green economy is defined as a sustainable economy and society with zero carbon emissions and a one-planet footprint where all energy is derived from renewable resources which are naturally replenished. A green economy rigorously applies the triple bottom line of people, planet and profits across all corporations at the microeconomic level and throughout the entire economy at the macroeconomic level. In contrast to a green economy, a traditional “black” energy economy is based on carbon-intensive fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum. By definition, a low-carbon economy is distinct from a green economy because it still generates carbon emissions.
A green economy exhibits the following characteristics:
- an energy infrastructure with zero carbon emissions that is powered 100 percent by renewable energy — made possible through a combination of proven, renewable energy technologies; breakthrough cleantech solutions; as well as enabling regulation and carbon markets
- the water, waste and wastewater infrastructure is based on long-term sustainability
- The preservation and protection of the world’s ecosystems, biological diversity and forests in partnership with indigenous peoples and all relevant stakeholders through the creation of sustainable governance models, markets and business models for delivering, maintaining and paying for ecosystem services
- sustained and successful adaption to climate change at a local, regional and global level.
The green economy is comprised of the 25 industries listed below (in alphabetical order):
- Biofuels
- Biomass
- Carbon capture and storage
- Carbon markets and renewable energy credits
- Climate change adaptation services
- Distributed generation
- Ecosystem services
- Energy efficiency, recycling, conservation, software and controls
- Energy storage, batteries and fuel cells
- Geothermal energy
- Green design
- Green IT
- Green buildings, materials and construction products
- Green transportation technologies and green vehicles
- Hydropower
- Ocean power
- REDD
- Smart grid
- Solar energy
- Sustainable and organic agriculture, food and products
- Waste management
- Wastewater management
- Waste-to-energy
- Water and water technologies
- Wind energy
By definition, coal and petroleum are not a part of a green economy due to their high carbon emissions. Although nuclear energy generates relatively low carbon emissions on a lifecycle basis it is excluded from a green economy due to its potential for long-term adverse environmental impacts.
To learn more about the green economy — or to help make it happen — review green economy 101, check out our green economy business directory, see a list of green economy events or explore our social media options.
